Airbag light

[Banshee]

Nah. Just the annoyance value. Is it on all the time, or intermittent? At least I think many models will get it as warranty now. (They extended it on some year models just after I replaced mine. Although all years have the same design...)

Other than that, the airbag might not work in a crash, so just avoid them...

[WhiteMeat]

Originally Posted by Banshee

Nah. Just the annoyance value. Is it on all the time, or intermittent? At least I think many models will get it as warranty now. (They extended it on some year models just after I replaced mine. Although all years have the same design...)

Other than that, the airbag might not work in a crash, so just avoid them...

Haha good advice re the crashes :P

It was on continually whilst driving this arvo - went down to the shops and then to visit a mate at Lakembanon this arvo and the little distracting ba$tard was on all the time when powered up... Next service is due this month, though will delay until next due to cash flow, will book in and tell them the good news first though haha

Thanks Banshee!

[Clarky]

Originally Posted by WhiteMeat

Sorry to drag this thread up from the great unknown of search, but: my air bag light came on this arvo & I thought "gosh & bother" (to say the least) might be a bit before I can get it in to a dealer for a warranty look-see - are there any potential issues with leaving this (airbag light on and single chime on initial startup) for a few weeks ?

Out of left field but have you checked the airbag fuse.
The airbag light came on in my WH GC and it turned out to be a fuse.
Not blown just needed re-seating.

[WhiteMeat]

Originally Posted by Clarky

Out of left field but have you checked the airbag fuse.
The airbag light came on in my WH GC and it turned out to be a fuse.
Not blown just needed re-seating.

Havent checked anything as yet - was in the shopping centre car park today and did a quick google search for possible remedies for the issue, the fuses were mentioned but no fix (linked to wranglerforum.com) I didn't see any negative posts re the airbag light so drove out and on - will check the fuses tomorrow night though as I did drive out to the glowworm tunnel on Saturday which might have dislodged the fuse...

Thanks Clarky!

[Banshee]

Good point about the fuse. The issue with the clockspring is usually an intermittent light as the wiring in the 'spring' momentarily disconnects. Causing the light to flash & 'bing!'.

If it is on all the time, it could just be broken, but check the fuse first. It will be listed in the book. I'll have a look for the number when I go out to the car.

[Tojoconvert]

Originally Posted by Banshee

Well, new clockspring is installed. Airbag light is off, blinker trips off properly, now just to take it out for a drive to make sure the cruise control & wheel position indicators are working correctly. For any who are interested, below is what I did to replace it.

The part numbers of the 2 units were slightly different, however all electrical connections were correct as far as I could test with the multimeter but there was a slight physical difference in the opening where the gear to trip the blinker is.

I started by disconnecting the battery. Dealing with explosives makes me careful. Explosives with power potentially on the det circuit? No thanks. 5 extra minutes for a lot of peace of mind! I then removed the shroud around the steering column by removing the 3 #20 Torx screw underneath. The tricky part is getting the airbag off the wheel. It is held on by 3 spring clips that are accessed from the back of the wheel. You need a short flat screwdriver to get them off. I used my Swiss Army knife with the large screwdriver half open to get extra leverage while still fitting in behind the wheel. Once it is loose, disconnect the 2 electrical plugs that connect to the C/S.

The hard part of that is turning the wheel to get each hole to the 12 o'clock position, so you can get the screwdriver into it, as you really should have the battery disconnected when working on an airbag. As such, no engine & no power steering to help turn it. But it can be done.

Unplug the horn/cruise control connector. Then one 1/2" bolt to remove the steering wheel. Then disconnect the 3 plugs that go into the back of the C/S for the airbag, wheel angle sensor & cruise control.

Then there are 3 screws to remove the old C/S, again #20 torx, but you need a fairly short driver to get onto the 2 on the top (one on each side. You don't have to remove the #27 or 30 security torx). The 3rd is on the front. I used a tip & magnetic bit holder with a 6" shifter to get it loosened until I could turn them by hand. I removed the clockspring with the indicator & windscreen washer stalks attached. You then undo a phillips screw on each side to slide them off.

The new C/S comes with a clip holding it in position to stop it turning, & you just need to be careful after it is on the steering column, before you put the wheel on. Slide the indicator & windscreen washer stalks onto the C/S & secure with their screws, then the assembly goes back onto the steering column. Leave the clip in until you have the 3 torx screws in place & nipped up. (Again I used the tip in the holder with a shifter to tighten the last bit.) Reconnect the plugs for the airbag, wheel angle sensor & cruise control.

Now you carefully remove the holding clip & put the steering wheel back on, feeding the airbag wiring through the hole at the top. The wheel is keyed, so it can only fit on in the right position. Once it is on & the bolt done up, reconnect the horn/cruise control plug, then plug in the airbag & push it on. You will hear & feel the spring clips go into place. The pointy(ish) clip goes at the bottom, it only fits on one way.

Reattach shroud & tighten screws. Reconnect battery. Enjoy no more airbag light!

All up, it took me between 60-90 minutes & the only info I had was that the airbag was held on be 3 clips over tabs accessed from the back of the wheel.

Now I'm off for a drive!

Awesome write up Banshee I've searched countless forums and it appears you are one of the only out there to do a DIY Have just done the same job myself, cursed airbag light $240 from http://www.jeepsareus.com/ and 5 working days delivery. Great people to deal with Like you state the hardest part of the job is removing the airbag. Great tip on using the Swiss Army Knife, I used a Leatherman as a sustitute I found that buy pushing forward on the airbag then twisting the retaining clips they just popped off. I took some pics as I went to help anyothers who choose to give this a shot.


Shrouds removed, airbag released and electrical connectors removed.


Airbag off showing the 3 retainer clips.


Steering wheel removed and a view of the guilty party


Clockspring removed and switchgear hanging free.


New clockspring installed. I've marked 2 of the securing scews. The third is on the opposite side of the column in a similar postion to the top one.


Clockspring and switchgear reinstalled.


Steering Wheel reinstalled and torqued to 40ft/lb. Witness marks line up


Airbag just popped back on once electrically connected and job done. No more airbag warning light

By the way my warning light was on almost constantly but would go off if I had full LH lock. The warning chime would also come on after I had made a left hand turn and straightened up. This was a fairlly good clue that it wasn't a fuse issue or another sensor.

[WhiteMeat]

Originally Posted by Banshee

Good point about the fuse. The issue with the clockspring is usually an intermittent light as the wiring in the 'spring' momentarily disconnects. Causing the light to flash & 'bing!'.

If it is on all the time, it could just be broken, but check the fuse first. It will be listed in the book. I'll have a look for the number when I go out to the car.

I must be blind, looked at the fuse box treasure map twice (was tipsy the first time) and couldn't see any reference to the airbag fuse got my 12k service booked now though so will let NMG sort it out under warranty (hopefully)